Maurice André Plays Trumpet Concerts

Album Description

Maurice André, renowned for his virtuosity and expressive playing, presents a stunning collection of trumpet concertos and sonatas in "Maurice André Plays Trumpet Concerts." Released in 1986 under the prestigious Deutsche Grammophon label, this album is a testament to André's mastery of the trumpet and his deep understanding of the Baroque and Classical repertoire.

Spanning a rich hour and six minutes, the album features 24 tracks that showcase André's technical brilliance and musical sensitivity. The disc opens with Joseph Haydn's Trumpet Concerto in E Flat, followed by a diverse array of works from composers such as Georg Philipp Telemann, Antonio Vivaldi, and Francesco Maria Veracini. Each piece is performed with André's signature clarity and warmth, accompanied by skilled orchestras and continuo groups.

The album includes notable works such as the Oboe Concerto No. 3 in G Minor by George Frideric Handel, performed with the same elegance and precision that André brings to his trumpet playing. The Concerto for 2 Trumpets in C Major by Antonio Vivaldi showcases André's ability to blend with another trumpet, creating a rich and harmonious sound.

Maurice André's playing is characterized by its purity of tone and expressive phrasing, making this album a delight for both casual listeners and classical music enthusiasts. The recording quality is excellent, capturing the full range and dynamic of André's trumpet, as well as the subtle nuances of the accompanying ensembles. Whether you are a fan of Baroque music or simply appreciate exceptional trumpet playing, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.

1 januari 1986

This Compilation ℗ 1986 Deutsche Grammophon GmbH, Berlin

About Maurice André

Maurice André, born in 1933 in the mining town of Alès, France, was a virtuoso French trumpeter whose legacy continues to resonate in the classical music world. André's journey began humbly, working in the mines at the age of 14, but his passion for music, inspired by his amateur trumpeter father, led him to the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique in Paris. There, he rapidly ascended, earning the Honorary First Prize for Horn in his first year and establishing himself as a formidable talent.

André is celebrated for his exceptional musicianship, blinding speed, and crystal-clear tones, particularly on the piccolo trumpet. He revolutionized the trumpet's role in classical music, much like Andrés Segovia did for the guitar, elevating it from its humble origins to the forefront of the classical repertoire. His innovative use of a specially made trumpet with four valves allowed him to explore the higher register with unparalleled mastery.

Throughout his career, André recorded and performed the great concertos of the trumpet repertoire, popularizing the piccolo trumpet and inspiring countless musicians. His influence extended beyond performance, as he also taught at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique in Paris, where he introduced the teaching of the piccolo trumpet and the Baroque repertoire on trumpet. André's impact on the world of classical trumpet is immeasurable, and his recordings continue to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.